connections black history month february 2021
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U. S . D E PA R T M E N T O F T H E I N T E R I O R
P M B A d m i n i s t ra t i v e S e r v i c e s a n d t h e
O f f i c e o f D i v e rs i t y, I n c l u s i o n a n d C i v i l R i g h t s
Connections
Black History Month February 2021
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Message from the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administrative Services
February 2021
Dear Colleagues,
Our cover photograph of IBC’s Shelita Saint-Louis and
her family participating in a peaceful protest/vigil for
George Floyd last summer touches my heart in a
profound way. Before joining the other participants,
Shelita and her husband Jean‐Philippe had a painful and
difficult discussion (referred by many in the Black
community as “the talk”) with their nine‐year‐old son
Zion and seven‐year‐old daughter Zoelle. “We welcome
the noteworthy first steps being made to address
racism and injustice in America,” said Shelita and Jean‐
Philippe at the time, “but we are concerned about real
change and what the future holds for our children.”
This year’s theme for Black History Month is The Black
Family: Representation, Inclusion and Diversity. Over
the course of three roundtable discussions this month led by members of the Administrative Services Special Emphasis
Program team, we had the opportunity to explore many different aspects of family life in the Black community,
including raising children, caring for elderly parents and welcoming others into blended families. It was so gratifying to
hear our colleagues speaking candidly about issues that affect them, from the difficulty of giving “the talk” to their
young children, to contending with older parents experiencing the effects of Alzheimer’s disease.
During the discussions, many of the more than 200 participants offered helpful information and resources while
sharing encouraging stories of hope. Perhaps the greatest takeaway from our sessions was how people rise to
challenges time and time again, always striving to overcome obstacles and remain optimistic in the face of daunting
circumstances. I am so proud of the Special Emphasis Program Team for shining a spotlight on our remarkable DOI
family, and I hope you will find inspiration as I did in the stories shared in this month’s issue of Connections magazine.
As always, please be well and stay safe.
Jacqueline M. Jones
About Connections
Connections magazine is produced each month by a collaborative, multi-agency team of volunteer employees from throughout DOI. Under the direction of Deputy Assistant Secretary for Administrative Services Jacqueline M. Jones and Director of the
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights Erica White-Dunston, who serves as the Chief Diversity Officer for the Department, the Connections team strives to foster an environment where all employees are valued, accepted, appreciated and feel included.
To find out more or to submit your ideas and suggestions, please contact editor Steve Carlisle at [email protected]. Your input is very much welcome! Thank you.
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3 Table of Contents
4 Presidential Proclamation
5 Glimmers of Hope - Shelita Saint-Louis
6 From the Perspective of a Teenager - Joshua Harris
7 Mental Health Struggles Among Black Teens
8 Breaking the Cycle - Chiketta Wilson
9 What Caregivers Need to Know
11 Wellness Resources
12 Let America Be America Again - Langston Hughes
14 Present Day Impression of “Let America Be
America Again” - Ebony Jones
15 Photographer Gordon Parks
16 10 National Parks that Honor Black History
19 Honoring our Veterans: Derrick “Rick” Battle
20 Segregation in the South Photo by Gordon Parks
21 About the Special Emphasis Program
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Presidential Proclamation on Black History Month 2021
This February, during Black History Month, I call on the
American people to honor the history and achievements of
Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle that
have brought us to this time of reckoning, redemption, and
hope.
We have never fully lived up to the founding principles of this
Nation –- that all people are created equal and have the right to
be treated equally throughout their lives. But in the Biden-
Harris Administration, we are committed to fulfilling that
promise for all Americans.
I am proud to celebrate Black History Month with an
Administration that looks like America –- one that reflects the
full talents and diversity of the American people and that
heralds many firsts, including the first Black Vice President of
the United States and the first Black
Secretary of Defense, among other firsts in
a cabinet that is comprised of more
Americans of color than any other in our
history.
It is long past time to confront deep racial
inequities and the systemic racism that
continue to plague our Nation. A knee to
the neck of justice opened the eyes of
millions of Americans and launched a
summer of protest and stirred the Nation’s
conscience.
A pandemic has further ripped a path of
destruction through every community in
America, but we see its acute devastation
among Black Americans who are dying,
losing jobs, and closing businesses at
disproportionate rates in the dual crisis of
the pandemic and the economy.
We saw how a broad coalition of Americans
of every race and background registered and voted –- more
people than in any other election in our Nation’s history –- to
heal these wounds and unite and move forward as a Nation.
But also less than 1 month after the attack on the Capitol, on
our very democracy, by a mob of insurrectionists –- of
extremists and white supremacists –- a bookend of the last 4
years and the hate that marched from the streets of
Charlottesville, and that shows we remain in a battle for the soul
of America.
We must bring to our work a
seriousness of purpose and
urgency. That is why we are
putting our response to
COVID-19 on a war footing
and marshalling every
resource we have to contain the pandemic, deliver economic
relief to millions of Americans who desperately need it, and
build back better than ever before.
That is why we are also launching a first-ever whole government
approach to advancing racial justice and equity across our
Administration –- in health care, education, housing, our
economy, our justice system, and in our electoral process. We
do so not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it
is the smart thing to do, benefitting all of us in this Nation.
We do so because the soul of our Nation
will be troubled as long as systemic
racism is allowed to persist. It is
corrosive. It is destructive. It is
costly. We are not just morally deprived
because of systemic racism, we are also
less prosperous, less successful, and less
secure as a Nation.
We must change. It will take time. But I
firmly believe the Nation is ready to make
racial justice and equity part of what we
do today, tomorrow, and every day. I
urge my fellow Americans to honor the
history made by Black Americans and to
continue the good and necessary work to
perfect our Union for every American.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN
JR., President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested
in me by the Constitution and the laws of
the United States, do hereby proclaim February 2021 as
National Black History Month. I call upon public officials,
educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to
observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this third
day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-
one, and of the Independence of the United States of America
the two hundred and forty-fifth. JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
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We must change.
It will take time.
But I firmly
believe the Nation
is ready to make
racial justice and
equity part of
what we do today,
tomorrow, and
every day.
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The Black Family: Children
Glimmers of Hope Amidst
National Unrest and Division:
Having “The Talk”
By Shelita Saint-Louis, Chief, Acquisition
Management Branch 1 Division 1, IBC
Reality check: Unfortunately, racism and social
injustice are still a crisis in 2021, 57 years after Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous “I Have
a Dream” speech. Many African American families
still face the daunting task of having “The Talk” with
their children. This is when children are taught,
among other things, how to behave in the presence
of police officers to mitigate potential harm. In
many communities, it is viewed as a rite of passage.
Having had “The Talk” several times before, my
husband Jean-Philippe and I realized augmentation
was necessary as we prepared to take our 10-year-
old son Zion and our 7-year-old daughter Zoelle to
participate in a peaceful George Floyd protest/vigil
last summer [see cover image]. I wrestled with feeling that my
words would take away the innocent view in which children see
the world, but I quickly shifted my perspective and began the
painful conversation to create an awareness of the harsh
realities of the world in which we live. During the peaceful
protest/vigil, my son carried a sign that said, “When do I go
from cute to dangerous?” The protest/vigil was indeed a
teaching moment.
Similarly, we have had to have “The Talk” with Zion to explain
why his repeated gift requests for nerf guns were not honored
by grandparents and other loved ones who vividly recall the
Tamir Rice story, just one in many tragic incidents. In November
2014, Tamir, a 12-year-old African American boy, was shot and
killed by the police in Cleveland while carrying a toy gun. The
conversation was especially difficult because Zion has been
invited to outdoor nerf gun battles with our white neighbors,
but he was not permitted to attend. On establishing strict
guidelines, we finally gave in and bought nerf guns, but to
protect Zion, he is not allowed to take them outside. Some may
view our guidelines as extreme; however, in a study published
in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, Phillip Atiba Goff, Ph.D.,
reported, “children in most societies are considered to be in a
distinct group with characteristics such as innocence and the
need for protection. Our research found that Black boys can be
seen as responsible for their actions at an age when white boys
still benefit from the assumption that children are essentially
innocent.” It is studies like these that give me a sense of urgency
as a mother of an African American son, to proactively prepare
and teach him the potentially lifesaving techniques that will
hopefully assist him in appearing to be less of a threat when
society decides he is no longer “cute,” he no longer appears
innocent, and he is viewed as a threat or dangerous.
Despite these and other heart-wrenching incidents, there are
glimmers of hope resulting from the awareness created from
these incidents. People are having a different kind of “Talk” at
high levels in government, business, organizations, in the media,
with friends, in zoom strategy sessions, etc. All are “Talks” which
are a necessary first step but they must result in action. As Dr.
Phil McGraw says, “Awareness without action is worthless.”
I remain hopeful that many will be moved to take prompt
action.
Pictured, above: John-Phillippe, Shelita, Zion and Zoelle.
VIDEO: Dear Child—When Black Parents Have to Give “The Talk”
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The Black Family: Teenagers
From the Perspective of a Teenager
By Joshua Harris
As a teenager, there's often the misconception that because
we're not fully adults, we don't experience hardships the same
way adults do, but 2020 undoubtedly proved that
misconception false. The start of this pandemic was a slow one,
and honestly, I don't think anyone expected that it would get
this bad. I remember sitting in my history class watching current
events back in late 2019, seeing Wuhan be in full lockdown. Not
even once did it cross my mind the same disease they were
dealing with would impact us and the world this much. I
honestly don't think it crossed any of my peers' minds as subtle,
but crude jokes were whispered across the room here and
there. However, those jokes would soon become no laughing
matter as we all had to face the hard truth.
COVID-19 came out of nowhere and seemed to spread so fast,
and so soon, no one saw it coming. Even though we went
through about four months of watching the same current
events headline story, 'Wuhan Epidemic' and eventually
'Coronavirus Epidemic,' it never seemed to faze anyone in my
class. We all just thought it'd be another Ebola situation where
one country or region might have it hard, and the rest of the
world would be unaffected. January 2020 is when the first case
of COVID-19 was reported in the US in Washington State. I
remember reading the headlines about it on my phone, and
sure I was a little worried but never scared. The coming months,
however, would prove that maybe I should've been.
February came, and it seemed like the whole world had turned
its attention to China and how to slow and possibly stop the
spread of this virus. Then on March 1st of 2020, New York City
reported its first case, and after that, it spread like wildfire.
Spring break came in the following weeks, and honestly didn't
feel like it ended till August. The Centers for Disease Control
issued guidelines that told us to quarantine and social distance.
Everything seemed to shut down in a matter of weeks. I wasn't
too upset about learning from home, but then the months
started rolling by, and the days went from feeling like 8 hours of
school to 12 hours of boredom and isolation.
COVID-19 hit hard and fast. Personally, it reminded me not to
take things like going to school and seeing friends, going to a
movie, or even just the ability to leave my house for granted.
After the school year, summer seemed like a faraway fantasy.
Thankfully there was Netflix and YouTube and the evermore
popular app Tik Tok, but eventually, even those became boring.
Masks were enforced to help slow the spread, and while most
tried to make it 'the newest fashion statement,' some were
against being forced to wear them. I personally didn't seem to
mind as the winter months in Colorado are frigid, so the mask
would help keep your face warm.
August came, and it felt so surreal. I could finally leave the
house and go back to school and see my friends. Since March,
we hadn't been back to school, so it was kind of euphoric seeing
everyone again after what felt like forever. However, the joy
was momentary. Headlines of other schools getting shutdown
lingered all around. Fortunately, my school fared to be one of
the lucky ones and ended up being one of the district's last
schools to get a confirmed case. Yet even with that, the
inevitable was soon to transpire. [Continued next page]
___________________________________________________
Joshua Harris, 17, is a Senior at Skyview Academy in Denver,
Colorado, where he maintains a 4.0 grade point average. He
plans to study aerodynamics when he attends college in the
fall. Joshua is the son of Catherine Harris, PCS Coordinator, IBC.
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The Black Family: From the Perspective of a Teenager (Continued)
The months following August seemed to fly by, and before I
knew it was Christmas. It didn't feel like it at all, as it seemed
like there was an undertone of sadness mixed with anger,
confusion, and worry everywhere you went. Maybe that's
because that's really what most of us felt during those months,
and still, some of us can feel that today, the worry of not
knowing what could happen next.
As we go into the new year and look back on last year and all
the hardships that came with it, it's important to remember that
we never know what tomorrow might bring. However, that
doesn't mean we should live our lives in fear or constant worry.
It's important to remember that we can show gratitude and
kindness despite everything. You never know what someone
else might be dealing with, or if they've lost a loved one. It's
important to be thankful for the things you have, family and
friends, and remember the moments of joy in your life. It's
essential to always keep an optimistic outlook on things,
especially during these challenging times.
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COVID-19 and Trauma: Mental Health
Struggles Among Black Teens
The nation’s recent events have brought on a lot of challenges
for many people across the country and around the world.
While this can be affecting everyone’s mental health, it’s
apparent that Black teenagers are particularly affected.
Not only can social isolation due to COVID-19 cause feelings of
sadness, anxiety and depression but when you add on the fact
that Black people are dying at a disproportionate rate due to the
virus and recent extreme police brutality and violence, these
events can take a serious toll on teens—especially teens of
color. Kids and teens rely on connecting with others to feel
good. When forced physical distancing comes into play, it makes
social connecting very difficult.
Teens really struggle with isolation from friends. “Prioritizing
social relationships outside the family is a developmental task
for teens, and being disconnected can add to stress,” says Dr.
Sarah Jerstad, Associate Clinical Director of Psychological
Services at Children’s Minnesota Hospital. For teens who
already struggle with anxiety or depression, the lack of social
connectedness can make things worse.
According to Dr. Jerstad, “Kids of color have long faced barriers
to mental health care in areas of prevention, access to care,
quality treatment and mental health outcomes. The onset of
COVID-19 has only increased that burden on kids of color.”
Long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put the
Black community at an increased risk of getting COVID-19 or
experiencing severe illness, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention. The disproportionate deaths and
illnesses in the Black community due to COVID-19 can be an
additional stressor to a teen who is already experiencing stress,
anxiety or depression.
For teens of color, racism is linked to anxiety, depression and
trauma. “Kids dealing with racism on a daily basis often feel a
fear of being targeted, a lack of safety, or may internalize
negative messages they hear about themselves,” said Dr.
Jerstad. “Since the death of George Floyd, anxiety and stress
among Black Americans increased at higher rates than any other
ethnic group.” Suicide rates for Black teens were already
increasing at alarming rates, so much so that Black youth under
13 were twice as likely to die by suicide than their white
counterparts.
How can parents help? Dr. Jerstad says, “Talk to your children
early and often about racism. The most important advice on
race and racism is to make sure to talk about it, and to talk
early. Research shows that even very young children are aware
of racial differences, and children can learn harmful lessons
about race when it’s not discussed openly.”
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The Black Family: Seeking Health Care
Breaking the Cycle
By Chiketta R. Wilson, Contract Specialist, IBC
For generations it has been the norm for Black families to not
discuss important matters of health. This can be due to lack of
coverage, a mistrust in the system, or just a general want for
privacy. Society has caused unjust inequalities towards Black
families based on hue of skin, financial status, facial features,
hair texture, and body features. Facing these challenges while
just trying to live day to day is a feat in and of itself. If you add
other topics in the mix, families tend to get uncomfortable and
hold onto secrets.
The cultural divide for medical care for Black families has started
to take a turn for the better. Previously, quality healthcare was
something hard to come by. Black families were mistreated,
abused, misdiagnosed, and unknowingly used for medical
testing. Some Black families did not believe in going to a doctor
while others were simply not afforded the opportunity to obtain
proper health coverage. All of these factors contributed to an
ongoing crisis. No health coverage or mistrust in the system
leads to not knowing where to get help which leads to not
knowing what signs and symptoms to look for. Some issues
seem easier to discuss such as diminishing eyesight or high
blood pressure, but there are misperceptions too: Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is just being hyper,
diabetes is otherwise known as the sugar, etc. They sometimes
hold the same value as a common cold or minor issues that
some firmly believe can be placated with Sunday church service,
Vicks, or a spoonful of castor oil.
The real stigma comes into play when there are more serious
health issues. Being among family usually appeases the
stressors in life stemming from the everyday injustices of the
world. Many do not realize that there is a growing rate of
anxiety and depression within Black families. Having to admit
that there is a deeper problem makes some Black families see
mental health as a weakness. Having a weakness can cause
family members to become detached and further withdrawn
from reality. The situation can be summed up as it is okay to be
fun crazy, but no one wants to be called crazy crazy. Black
families have endured generations of trauma and have
overcome many adversities. It is time to encourage
conversations and get help. Holding on to these types of family
secrets hinders future generations from receiving the proper
care they need.
In the current environment of a pandemic, it is even more
crucial that Black families speak up and seek medical attention.
Some Black families still do not have access to medical facilities
that are capable of catering to the Black community. Many have
underlying health issues that have spanned across generations
but go unnoticed due to lack of medical care. Medical
professionals that understand this cultural divide and can treat
a patient based on medical status versus skin hue is something
that is much needed in today’s environment.
Healthcare within Black families have been kept private for way
too long and needs to be put in the spotlight. The ultimate goal
should be to forge a more positive stance to help people not be
ashamed of circumstances beyond their control. The cultural
divide within healthcare needs to be obliterated so that
everyone can receive proper treatment. Healthcare should be
one-size-fits-all, but unfortunately in some places, the hue of
your skin determines the type of care you receive.
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Caregivers
African Americans and Aging:
What Caregivers Need to Know
By Ashley Williams, Care.com
Wrinkles, gray hair, occasional aches and pains — these are just
a few of the minor frustrations that we’ve come to expect with
age. As an average 65-year-old can expect to live an additional
19 years, according to the latest data from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the quality of that phase
of life becomes increasingly important. But for African
Americans, growing older brings more than mere annoyances
or other age-related setbacks.
More than four million African Americans are 65 or older. While
the group is far from homogeneous — and a 65-year-old’s
experiences and needs likely differ from those of someone 10 or
20 years older — these elders share some unique challenges.
Hit hard by the most difficult health challenges
“Aging is a critical topic right now, especially for the African
American community,” says Donna Benton, Ph.D., and research
associate professor of gerontology at the University of Southern
California. “[The group] tends to have higher risk for diseases
like Alzheimer’s, stroke and other health conditions that make
their care more complex.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a new case of
Alzheimer’s is diagnosed every 65 seconds. African Americans
are 64% more likely to develop the disease or a related
dementia. (Researchers suspect that factors such as high rates
of diabetes and obesity in the community may play a role.)
Despite their increased risk, Black seniors tend to be diagnosed
much later than other groups. Without a formal diagnosis, they
have fewer treatment options and resources at their disposal.
But the disparities in medical care for seniors isn’t limited to
Alzheimer’s. Black male seniors are significantly less likely to
receive treatment for osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures.
And if those seniors do break a bone, they may suffer more than
their peers of other races. Researchers have found that African
Americans may not be given the same pain management
options as other groups. The reason? A persistent myth in the
medical community that Black people are less sensitive to pain.
There may be one positive note, however: some studies suggest
that acute care for heart attack and stroke appear to differ little
between racial groups, according to data provided by the CDC
Division of Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention.
Bearing a financial strain
Retirement often means living on a fixed income and tight
budgets. Yet retirees who once had solid middle-class jobs don’t
necessarily have pensions that can keep pace with the costs of
treating chronic conditions or long-term care. For African
American seniors, whose incomes are on average $18,000
less than other people 65 and older, these additional expenses
can bring significant financial strain.
“[The Black community] has a high percentage of people who
aren’t in poverty who can’t qualify for [lower-cost] services,”
says Benton. “The result is a bigger financial burden and higher
out-of-pocket costs than other groups — some $7,000 to $8,000
more.”
Combine those additional expenses with lower rates of
insurance coverage (32% for African Americans vs. 46% for
white Americans) and fewer advance directives in the
community (44% vs. 24%), according to the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, and you have the makings of
golden years that are anything but for seniors and their family
caregivers.
“Look at the history of disparities in health access, which, in
turn, contributes to people not being able to care for chronic
but high-risk conditions, plus the lack of insurance,” says
Benton. “If you [take] all that together, you have a much sicker
population that caregivers are dealing with.”
The challenges of asking for (and offering) care
There is one key cultural difference that may compound health
and financial challenges faced by African American seniors. In
short, they often struggle in silence. [cont’d]
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Caregivers (Continued)
“Regardless of socioeconomic status, older [Black] people don’t
like to tell their business,” says Angie Boddie, director of Health
Programs for the National Caucus on Black Aging, an advocacy
group. “Not sharing is a big deal.”
As a result, many seniors might not voice their concerns or
frustrations. That means it’s all the more critical that their loved
ones and caregivers pay close attention. “Caregivers play an
integral role,” says Benton. “But they also need to know what
resources are available.”
What caregivers can do
Providing care to the aging African American population
requires additional diligence to combat the myriad challenges
the community faces. Here’s how you can help.
1. Help break the silence
African Americans have endured much over the course of
history, but it’s taken courage and often a quiet strength to do
so. “We mask our needs,” says Benton. “We don’t want to be
linked to looking for handouts.” That means Black seniors likely
won’t let on that they’re having a health problem.
Family and paid caregivers may be the first line of defense when
it comes to identifying new health issues. Having a complete
care plan, which ensures caregivers are aware of all known
medical conditions, along with providers and treatment (or not),
can help. If a symptom arises and it’s not on the plan, the
caregiver can raise the alarm.
2. Enable empowerment
“Older people will just take their doctor’s word and not
challenge it,” says Boddie, when discussing the concerns of the
African-American community. “We need to teach them to
advocate for themselves.” That’s not always easy to do. To
encourage this often fundamental behavior change for some
seniors, Boddie suggests taking several steps:
• Encourage the person to write down any concerns or
questions before and during discussions with their doctors.
• Before appointments, set up practice sessions with a
trusted relative or friend so the person feels more
comfortable having an open and honest conversation.
• Remind the senior to speak up when a situation doesn’t feel
right or sound right and offer your support when that
happens.
Benton also advises caregivers to be proactive even if they can’t
be part of every medical conversation. “Assuming the person
and their doctor are OK with it, you can look at notes about
appointments online,” she says. “That can help you better
understand what’s going on and navigate the health care
system.”
3. Utilize available resources
It should go without saying, but information truly is power.
“I’m always taken aback by the number of adults who do not
take advantage of the state and federal resources available,”
Boddie says. “There is an agency for aging in every state and
territory.” These organizations serve multiple purposes. They
can connect to home health services, provide a script to help
convince a loved one they need (and how to get) different types
of insurance or coverage or even handle simple queries, like
whether or not to get a flu shot and where to get it. And you
don’t have to visit in person.
“People always think I have to go to a ‘place’,” says Boddie. “But
you can get plenty of guidance over the phone.”
For those seniors and caregivers who are online, a good place to
find community-based resources is the Eldercare Locator. The
nationwide portal offers a wealth of information on caregiving,
senior services, housing and elder rights specific to your
location.
4. Build upon the inherent resilience of seniors
Benton believes it’s important to encourage seniors to focus on
the things they can still do as they grow older. “We do get wiser
in different ways and are able to adapt [to new situations] every
year,” she says. “For instance, maybe you lose some of your
friends or social networks. But if
you still have a purpose every
day, like taking care of a pet or
gardening, you’ll age well. Do
what you can do — but don’t be
afraid to ask for help.”
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The Black Family: Wellness Resources
African Americans, Anxiety and Depression Association of America: information on choosing providers and accompanying ADAA articles on topics such as how to overcome unique obstacles and the link between racism and stress and anxiety for Black Americans.
Black/African American, Behavioral Health Equity, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: information page from the agency that runs the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-8255) for confidential support for those in distress and National Helpline (800-662-4357) for treatment referral and support.
Black and African American Communities and Mental Health, Mental Health America: fact sheet about prevalence of, attitudes about, and treatment for mental health issues with information specific to bipolar disorder and clinical depression.
Brother, You’re on My Mind Toolkit, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities: website with educational material, checklists and tips on partnerships, outreach and event planning aimed at African American men.
Sharing Hope: Speaking With African Americans About Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness: presentation about stigma, possibilities of recovery, types of support services and signs of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and depression.
Workforce: facing the caregiving crisis.
Centers for Disease Control: healthy aging and
Alzheimer’s disease.
Therapy for Black Girls Podcast: weekly chat about
mental health, personal development and more for
Black women and girls.
National Institute on Aging (National Institutes on
Health): publications on health disparities related to
aging
Innovage: all-inclusive care
options in Virginia, Colorado,
New Mexico, Pennsylvania and
California.
Working Daughter: a community
for women balancing caregiving
and career.
Working Daughter (Book by Lis
O’Donnell): a guide to caring for
your aging parents while making
a living.
Better Health While Aging:
practical aging health and
caregiving information.
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help (Book by Leslie Kernisan, MD MPH): a geriatrician’s step-by-step guide to memory loss, resistance, safety and more.
Recognizing Caregiver Burnout: article by Carol Bradley Bursack, Minding our Elders. Aging Care : 10 government resources every caregiver should know about. The Safe Place: mental health app for the Black community on Android and iPhone.
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Let America Be America Again - Langston Hughes 1935
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Let America be America again.
Let it be the dream it used to be.
Let it be the pioneer on the plain
Seeking a home where he himself is free.
(America never was America to me.)
Let America be the dream the dreamers dreamed—
Let it be that great strong land of love
Where never kings connive nor tyrants scheme
That any man be crushed by one above.
(It never was America to me.)
O, let my land be a land where Liberty
Is crowned with no false patriotic wreath,
But opportunity is real, and life is free,
Equality is in the air we breathe.
(There’s never been equality for me,
Nor freedom in this “homeland of the free.”)
Say, who are you that mumbles in the dark?
And who are you that draws your veil across the stars?
I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,
I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.
I am the red man driven from the land,
I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek—
And finding only the same old stupid plan
Of dog eat dog, of mighty crush the weak.
I am the young man, full of strength and hope,
Tangled in that ancient endless chain
Of profit, power, gain, of grab the land!
Of grab the gold! Of grab the ways of satisfying need!
Of work the men! Of take the pay!
Of owning everything for one’s own greed!
I am the farmer, bondsman to the soil.
I am the worker sold to the machine.
I am the Negro, servant to you all.
I am the people, humble, hungry, mean—
Hungry yet today despite the dream.
Beaten yet today—O, Pioneers!
I am the man who never got ahead,
The poorest worker bartered through the years.
Yet I’m the one who dreamt our basic dream
In the Old World while still a serf of kings,
Who dreamt a dream so strong, so brave, so true,
That even yet its mighty daring sings
In every brick and stone, in every furrow turned
That’s made America the land it has become.
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Let America Be America Again - Langston Hughes 1935 (Continued)
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O, I’m the man who sailed those early seas
In search of what I meant to be my home—
For I’m the one who left dark Ireland’s shore,
And Poland’s plain, and England’s grassy lea,
And torn from Black Africa’s strand I came
To build a “homeland of the free.”
The free?
Who said the free? Not me?
Surely not me? The millions on relief today?
The millions shot down when we strike?
The millions who have nothing for our pay?
For all the dreams we’ve dreamed
And all the songs we’ve sung
And all the hopes we’ve held
And all the flags we’ve hung,
The millions who have nothing for our pay—
Except the dream that’s almost dead today.
O, let America be America again—
The land that never has been yet—
And yet must be—the land where every man is free.
The land that’s mine—the poor man’s, Indian’s, Negro’s,
ME—
Who made America,
Whose sweat and blood, whose faith and pain,
Whose hand at the foundry, whose plow in the rain,
Must bring back our mighty dream again.
Sure, call me any ugly name you choose—
The steel of freedom does not stain.
From those who live like leeches on the people’s lives,
We must take back our land again,
America!
O, yes,
I say it plain,
America never was America to me,
And yet I swear this oath—
America will be!
Out of the rack and ruin of our gangster death,
The rape and rot of graft, and stealth, and lies,
We, the people, must redeem
The land, the mines, the plants, the rivers.
The mountains and the endless plain—
All, all the stretch of these great green states—
And make America again!
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Langston Hughes
Present-Day Impression of
Langston Hughes’s Poem “Let
America Be America Again”
By Ebony N. Jones, Contract Specialist,
Acquisitions Services Directorate, IBC
James Mercer Langston Hughes (Langston) wrote “Let
America Be America Again” while traveling on a train
from New York to Ohio in 1935. The poem
demonstrates the reality of the greed and oppression
that existed, while being hopeful for the achievement
of the American dream: freedom, equality, peace and
justice for all. The literary style of the poem is rhythmic
and free verse with at least three points of view: the
dreamer, the oppressed and the oppressor. It
demonstrates Langston’s signature style of Jazz Poetry.
As the pandemic brought tragedy to lives all over the world last
year, the chaos continued with cases of police brutality in
America. Some Americans were reminded that the wicked
reality of racism expressed in “Let America Be America Again”
still exists today. It lurks in places and spaces that could cause
trauma and tragedy to those affected. Police brutality may be
blatant in most cases and unfortunately not a modern
phenomenon. However, implicit bias in areas such as police
departments, the
medical field, justice
systems, educational
institutions and
professional space is
also devastating and
can be life
threatening to those
faced with
discrimination.
Last year should have
awakened those who
think we are done
making America. We
have come so far, and
still, we have work to
do. Langston’s poem
reminds us that
America will be the dream, made by us together. Langston is
among the artists that flourished during the Harlem
Renaissance. He served as a voice for the oppressed and those
unable to share in America’s promises. His pieces hold up a
mirror to society, while expressing hope in the resilient pursuit
of the American dream. His work was revolutionary. His artistic
integrity and bittersweet expression made him a spokesperson
for the people then and now. Let us continue to make America
the dream.
Langston Hughes (February 1, 1901 – May
22, 1967) was an American poet, social
activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist
from Joplin, Missouri. One of the earliest
innovators of the then-new literary art
form called Jazz Poetry, Hughes is best
known as a leader of the Harlem
Renaissance. He famously wrote about the
period that "the Negro was in vogue,”
which was later paraphrased as "when
Harlem was in vogue."
Growing up in a series of Midwestern
towns, Hughes became a prolific writer at
an early age. He moved to New York City
as a young man, where he made his career.
He graduated from high school
in Cleveland, Ohio and soon began studies
at Columbia University in New York City.
Although he dropped out, he gained notice
from New York publishers, first in The
Crisis magazine, and then from book
publishers and became known in the
creative community in Harlem. He
eventually graduated from Lincoln
University. In addition to poetry, Hughes
wrote plays and short stories. He also
published several non-fiction works.
From 1942 to 1962, as the civil rights
movement was gaining traction, he wrote
an in-depth weekly column in a leading
Black newspaper, The Chicago Defender.
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ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHS: Gordon Parks hadn’t been to his
hometown, Fort Scott, Kansas, in more than 20 years when he
returned there in 1950 as a photojournalist on assignment
for Life magazine. Growing up as the youngest of 15 children,
Parks attended the Plaza School, an all-Black grade school in the
heavily segregated town. Now, as the first Black man hired full-
time by the magazine, Parks wanted to find and photograph all
11 of his classmates from grade school as a way of measuring
the impact of school segregation. The photo essay he created,
which was never published, was on display at the Museum of
Fine Arts, Boston in the exhibition, “Gordon Parks: Back to Fort
Scott,” in 2015.
Special Section: National Parks that Celebrate Black History
10 National Parks that Honor Black History
African Americans’ contributions to our history and culture are deeply
interwoven into our collective national heritage. The National Park
Foundation (NPF) and the African American Experience Fund (AAEF) has
been investing in the preservation of African American history and
culture through national parks since 2001 and continues to build on
their investment to ensure that these stories are shared, preserved, and
honored through parks in ways that connect and inspire current and
future generations. Explore the stories behind these parks and make
them a part of your next national park trip!
CARTER G. WOODSON HOME NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Carter G. Woodson Home National Historic Site, located in Washington,
D.C., served as the home of the “Father of Black History,” Dr. Carter G.
Woodson from 1922 until his death in 1950.
As the nation’s first professionally trained historian of African descent,
Woodson institutionalized the study of African American history, and
from his home in the heart of the city’s Shaw neighborhood, he directed
the operations of his organization, the Association for the Study of
Negro Life and History (ASALH), ran a publishing company, the
Associated Publishers, and in 1926, started Negro History Week, which
is now observed as Black History Month. Photo NPS/Victoria
Stauffenberg.
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
You can walk in the footsteps of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in
parks across the country. Known as “M.L.” by his family, Dr. King’s early
years in Atlanta are preserved and honored at Martin Luther King, Jr.
National Historical Park. When visiting the park, stop by the visitor
center to pick up a map of the park, which includes the home in which
he was born and lived until he was 12, the Baptist Church where he
worshipped and preached, and the King Center, where Dr. and Mrs.
Coretta Scott King are laid to rest. Photo NPS/Katie Bricker.
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
The skies have long captured our imagination, and several national parks
pay tribute to advancements and achievements in aviation history. In
Alabama, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site is the training site of
the first-ever African American military pilots, known as the “Red Tails.”
Nearly 1,000 African American pilots were trained here, and over 10,000
men and women worked as technicians, radio operators, medical
personnel, parachute riggers, mechanics, navigators, dispatchers, and
more at the site. Visit the park’s two hangar museums to learn more
about the daily life of the men and women who served here. Photo NPS.
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Special Section: National Parks that Celebrate Black History
SELMA TO MONTGOMERY NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL
Honoring the three 1965 civil rights marches that were meant to stretch
54 miles from Selma to Montgomery, the Selma to Montgomery
National Historic Trail follows the path of the heroic men and women
who demonstrated for access to voting registration. The first two
marches, met with violent confrontation by the state, were captured by
the media and sparked nationwide outrage. The third march on March
21, 1965, saw upwards of 25,000 participants and the Voting Rights Act
was signed five months later. Photo by NPS.
CHARLES YOUNG BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MONUMENT
Col. Charles Young was a distinguished officer in the U.S. Army, the third
African American to graduate from West Point, and the first to achieve
the rank of colonel – in addition to the first African American to serve as
a superintendent of a national park! Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers
National Monument preserves Young’s legacy, as well as that of the
Buffalo Soldiers. In the face of unrelenting racism and inequality, Buffalo
Soldiers showed themselves as strong and successful soldiers in
performing their jobs. They were effectively the first park rangers and
over a century after their service, their stories and legacies are
interwoven with the fabric of our history and the history of our parks.
NPF played a major role in the creation of this park by providing the
necessary funding through AAEF in 2013 to purchase the historic
property from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.’s Friendship
Foundation. Photo by NPS/Thomas Engberg.
MEDGAR AND MYRLIE EVERS HOME NATIONAL MONUMENT
One of the newest national park sites, the Medgar and Myrlie Evers
Home National Monument commemorates the legacies of two civil
rights activists who, from their small ranch home, devoted their lives to
ending racial injustice against Black Americans. Upon returning from
serving in World War II, Medgar Evers applied to the then-segregated
law school at the University of Mississippi. When his application was
rejected, he became the focus of a NAACP campaign to desegregate the
school. Medgar and Myrlie Evers opened and managed the first NAACP
Mississippi State Office and led boycotts, organized voter registration
drives, and investigated acts of violence against African Americans.
In June 1963, Medgar Evers was murdered in the carport of their home
– an event that served as a catalyst for the passage of the Civil Rights Act
of 1964. Myrlie Evers has continued building on her legacy of activism,
becoming one of the first African American women to run for Congress
and eventually serving as the chairwoman of the NAACP. Photo by NPS.
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Special Section: National Parks that Celebrate Black History
HARRIET TUBMAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK
One of two national parks that preserve the life and legacy of Harriet
Tubman, Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in Auburn, NY explores
Tubman’s later years. After masterminding hundreds of rescue missions
and serving in the U.S. Army, she continued fighting for human rights
and dignity for the last fifty years of her life. Grounded in her
unwavering faith, the “Moses of her people” helped establish schools
for freed people in the South, pushed for equality and suffrage for
African American women, and built the Harriet Tubman Home for the
Aged to care for the elderly and poor in her community. Photo NPS.
PULLMAN NATIONAL MONUMENT
Chicago’s first national park site honors the 1894 Pullman strike and
subsequent national boycott of Pullman train cars. The Pullman
Company hired African American men, known as Pullman Porters, who
served first-class passengers traveling in the company’s luxurious
sleeping cars and became synonymous with the railroad’s impeccable
service and style. In 1894, workers fought for better wages and living
conditions. This strike led to the formation of the first African American
labor union, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, and sent a
positive message about the potential of labor organizing among the
growing labor movement in America. Photo Jay Galvin.
NICODEMUS NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
On the plains of Kansas, Nicodemus National Historic Site preserves the
remnants of a town established by African Americans during the period
of reconstruction following the Civil War. In search of a life free from
persecution and oppression, Kansas was seen as a “promised land” for
formerly enslaved African Americans, many of whom headed west
looking for a new life after the war. When visiting the park, you can
explore five historic buildings that represent the spirit of Nicodemus –
church, self-government, education, home, and business.
Today, the small community of Nicodemus is the only remaining all-
Black town west of the Mississippi River to have been settled in the
1800s by formerly enslaved people. Photo NPS.
MAGGIE L. WALKER NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
Maggie Lena Walker devoted her life to civil rights advancement,
economic empowerment, and educational opportunities for African
American men and women during the Jim Crow era. Walker was a
prominent businesswoman and a community leader, working as a
newspaper editor, fraternal leader, and later the first African American
woman to establish a bank in the country. Today, Maggie L. Walker
National Historic Site commemorates the life of this trailblazing,
talented woman. Photo NPS.
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Meet Derrick “Rick” Battle
Derrick "Rick" Battle currently serves as the Personal
Property Management Specialist for BLM Eastern States
in Falls Church, Virginia. Born and raised in Washington,
DC, Rick served in the US Army from 1983-1986 as a
Supply Technician. His tour of duty took him to Stuttgart,
West Germany, and Ft. Bragg, North Carolina.
Married with three young adult children, Rick is entering
his 21st year of federal government service.
2020 DOI Veterans Virtual Wall of Honor
For more information
regarding the DOI Veterans
Employee Resource Group:
20 4
Segregation in the South, 1956, photo by Gordon Parks
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About the Special Emphasis Program
Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) are implemented and observed throughout the Department of the Interior primarily to ensure that all are provided an equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. These programs help DOI improve its employee engagement efforts and fosters an environment where all employees are valued, accepted, appreciated and feel included. The Administrative Services Special Emphasis Program Team, in collaboration with the DOI Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, publishes Connections magazine to coincide with each monthly commemoration. We would be delighted to have you be a part of our efforts by:
• Shaping subject matter for each magazine • Creating and submitting content • Participating in and hosting virtual observances and informal discussions • Celebrating diversity with family, friends and co-workers
Team members spend approximately one hour per pay period on SEP initiatives, are able to take time away when work schedules require it, and can focus on those subject areas that are most meaningful to them.
To get started, please send an email here and a team member will contact you.
Thank you sincerely for your interest!
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The Special Emphasis Program Magazine is a publication of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administrative Services, in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights. Your input is essential to making this a valuable resource for all employees. Please feel free to share your ideas, suggestions and articles/pictures with editor Steve Carlisle by emailing [email protected]. Thank you!
The views and conclusions contained in this work are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U.S. Government. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U.S. Government.
Connections Magazine for March: Women’s History Month